Summer Jobs: Where to Look and How to Apply

The semester is almost over and summer’s on the way! While many of us college students are just looking forward to the end of finals and projects, plans for break are slowly slipping to the back of our minds. Unless you plan on traveling this summer or just hanging around the old couch for three months, odds are you’re going to look for work. With the job market not exactly in its ideal state, applicants really need to amp up on the job snagging strategy. Here are a few tips on where to look for jobs and how to successfully apply for them.

Finding Jobs on the Go

If you’re going to find work, don’t be passive. Spend your free time preparing a plan of attack and concentrating on the task at hand. If you’re the organizing type, make a list of all the places you want to apply for. Start by businesses within a short distance, like in your hometown or surrounding areas. Consider nearby malls, strip malls, restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores, coffee shops, gyms, pools, anywhere that gets more business in the summer. If you happen to pass by places like these all the time, walk in and ask about employment opportunities. If not, plan out a whole day (preferably on a day when you’re free of classwork, like  Friday or Saturday) in which you’ll travel to every business on your list to ask about applications. This may seem like a daunting task, but it’s worth it. Taking the initiative will give you a better edge, and attaching a face to a name won’t hurt either. Employees are the selling front of the company, so try putting on your best attitude and wearing appropriate clothing when you introduce yourself. It may determine whether you even get an application.

The internet is the next best route for job searching if you don’t have the time to physically meet employers. If you want to work for a specific store, check out the “careers” section of the company’s website and look up opportunities in your area. Otherwise, many sites like Indeed, Job.com, and Monster have proven to be great starting points for applicants.

Try asking friends and family members if they know anywhere that’s hiring. My first summer job actually came from my uncle. After learning that particular vending company at Home Depot was in need of summer associates, he gave me the contact’s number and I applied immediately. This was after I’d filled out over fifteen different applications online and in person. A big factor in the job industry is networking. You have to know somebody in the business, even if it’s through a mere acquaintance.

Applying Like a Pro

Many times if you take up an application online or at a store, the form is going to call for some type of resume. Putting together a resume is probably one of the most important parts of job-searching. If there’s one thing most employers are looking for nowadays, it’s experience. Take the time to gather all your contact information, past/current education, and work experience. Even if you’ve never had a real job before, consider any volunteering you’ve done within the past few years. Remember to include extracurricular activities, leadership positions, awards, professional accomplishments, and any special skills like being able to speak foreign languages or CPR certification. This is your moment to shine, so tastefully brag about yourself. Why should the company hire you? This is why!

Also, remember to list out your references. These can be past employers, teachers, coaches, anyone unrelated to you who’s seen your work ethic and will be willing to vouch for you. Be sure to ask before putting down their name. You’d be surprised how much uninformed consent can hurt you in the long run.

Print out plenty of copies of the resume for if/when you visit potential employers. It’ll make filling out information much more efficient, not to mention giving the business a good taste of your professionalism.

And finally, relax. If you put forth enough effort, you’ll be rolling in summer dough in no time.